Labour Says UK Security Strategy Should Focus on NATO, Not Indo-Pacific

Labour shadow defence secretary John Healey speaks at the Institute of Directors, hosted by RUSI, in London, on Feb. 7, 2023. James Manning/PA Media

The UK must show “realism” on its military commitments to the Indo-Pacific region, Labour’s defence chief has said, as he suggested his party will stick to a “NATO first” security strategy if it comes into power.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development, and Foreign Policy in 2021 announced a UK “tilt” towards the Indo-Pacific in recognition of China’s growing influence in the region.